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“I won’t be derailed” — Mustapha Hamid responds to attacks on his NPP Vice Chair bid
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Mustapha Abdul Hamid, has broken his silence on what he describes as persistent attacks against him following his decision to contest for the position of National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
In a lengthy statement shared on his social media platforms, Dr. Hamid indicated that since declaring his intention to contest the position, he has faced daily criticism, anonymous write ups and public attacks from individuals he believes are linked to rival candidates.
According to him, although friends, supporters and sympathisers have urged him to respond directly to the attacks, he has deliberately chosen not to engage his critics.
“The fact that I am the only person to whom attacks are directed among a crowded field of contestants shows that there is a clear recognition that I am the man to beat,” he wrote.
He explained that the attacks rather strengthen his resolve and motivate him to continue his campaign.
Dr. Hamid also reflected on his long political history within the NPP, stating that he has sacrificed greatly for the party since 1992 during the era of the former Provisional National Defence Council military government led by former President Jerry John Rawlings.
He recounted how he frequently changed his sleeping location in Tamale for fear of attacks due to his political activities at the age of 20.
The former NPA boss further stated that he played a key role in the party’s political activities in northern Ghana together with Iddrisu Musah Superior at a time when social media did not exist.
He argued that his commitment to the NPP was deeply personal because his father was in exile during the Rawlings administration.
Dr. Hamid addressed accusations from some individuals who claim they have personal grievances against him.
According to him, some critics are unhappy because he did not favour party loyalists unfairly during his tenure in office.
He maintained that he refused to promote people or tolerate absenteeism at work simply because they belonged to the ruling party.
“Somebody says, ‘you are too principled; we do not like principled people in politics,’” he stated.
He further stressed that leadership comes from God and not from human plotting, quoting verses from the Qur’an and Bible to support his argument.
Dr. Hamid highlighted what he described as his significant contributions to the NPP during the 2024 general election campaign across several constituencies and regions.
According to him, his interventions at the constituency, regional and national levels helped sustain the party’s operations during the election period.
He added that evidence of his contributions exists in documents, videos and audio recordings which would be presented to delegates during his campaign.
The former NPA Chief Executive ended his statement with biblical quotations shared with him by lawyer and politician Atta Akyea, which he noted had encouraged him amid the attacks.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
